Jodi Marie Montano

Jodi is survived by her partner of 25 years, Anthony Ferrara. They met through work in New York and after moving to Florida, they designed and built their dream home together and enjoyed a coastal lifestyle of boating, fishing, and snorkeling.

Jodi was born in Poughkeepsie, New York to the late Peter and Geri (Golokow) Montano. She grew up in the countryside hamlet of Hopewell Junction in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Jodi graduated from Siena College with a degree in Math and minors in Physics and French. She had a fulfilling career in telecom working in Manhattan before moving to Florida.

Jodi is survived by her two sisters, Jaci Montano of London, England, and Jill Ruotolo (and husband Antonio) of Cary, NC. She is also survived by five beloved nieces and nephews, Jessica, Alexa, Erik (and wife Helen), Conor and Marcella.

Jodi cherished life‘s simple joys. She loved the beach, the warmth of sunshine, wide open water, and the companionship of her two beloved cats, Smokey and Bandit. She also found happiness in transforming her house into a cozy haven, meticulously adding personal touches that made it truly feel like home.

Jodi’s unshakable conviction and quest for understanding defined her life‘s journey. Despite facing formidable health challenges, including scleroderma and breast cancer, she faced adversity by diving into rigorous research on treatment options. Her resilience, determination, and her unwavering pursuit of knowledge inspired so many around her, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and perseverance.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to the National Scleroderma Foundation or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Jodi's honor. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories and memories of Jodi's vibrant spirit.